Balance measurement systems and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

Balance measurement systems and methods thereof include at least one measurement device or indicator and an unstable or dynamic device or surface or other balance device. In example forms, the at least one measurement device is generally removably mounted to a portion of the body of a user (and/or to a portion of the balance device) such that the movements and body behavior of a user (and/or the balance device) can be measured as the user attempts to balance on the balance device. According to one example form, the unstable device includes a suspended rope or slackline. According to other example forms, the balance device includes a generally unstable platform.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/319,917 filed Apr. 8, 2016, the entirety ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of athleticequipment, training and rehabilitation, and more particularly to systemsand methods for obtaining real time measurements and movements of a userbalancing on a suspended line or slackline, balance board, foam or anybalance challenge device.

BACKGROUND

Athletic training is an essential aspect to maintaining the physicalconditioning, endurance, agility, strength and balance of a human oranimal subject. Athletes may focus on a broad training regime or limittraining to a particular area. In the field of balance training, andmore particular dynamic balance training, a tensioned or slack line ofwebbing or rope mounted between two fixed points may be used as atraining technique, commonly known as “slacklining, slackbowing ortightrope walking.” Optionally, other generally unstable surfacesincluding a balance board, foam, inflatable, semi-rigid or semi-flexibleand resilient members can be used for balance training, for example,wherein a single foot or both feet can be placed thereon to attempt tobalance. With respect to the slackline, the two fixed points support theends of the slackline and bear the weight of the athlete and span achallenging length. U.S. Published patent application Ser. No.13/297,543, Issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,986,178 B2, is incorporated herein byreference, and shows an example of a slackline apparatus and trainingmethod.

FIG. 1 shows a portion of a portable prior-art balancing device D in useby an athlete or user 5. The balancing device D can be used to increasethe muscular development, neural balance, agility and coordination ofthe athlete 5 by providing a dynamic suspended line or support band Lthat is fixed at two opposing points on the structure. The athleteattempts to maintain balance by placing all or a part of their body onthe dynamic suspended line, which can freely oscillate or move in thedirections of a transverse axis T and a vertical axis V, which aremutually perpendicular of the lengthwise axis of the line L (see FIG.3). Generally, the athlete 5 stands with one foot on the line whereinthe weight of the athlete 5 causes the line L to flex or stretch, whichcauses the foot to conform or distort to the shape of the line L.Commonly, the line L comprises a 1″-2″ woven nylon, polyester orpolypropylene web with about a 2,000 pound load rating, and in someexample forms can be between a load rating of about 600-1000 pounds, ormore or less.

For training purposes, it has been determined that a 1″ wide line L iseasier to balance on than a 2″ line L, which can indicate that thegreater the width of the line L corresponds to a greater degree ofbalance difficulty. FIG. 2 shows an athlete's footprint when standing onthe 2″ line, which can be seen to not provide an area for the entirefoot. It is desirable to increase the width of the line L, but a greaterwidth beyond the 2″ width line L begins to influence the movement of theline in the transverse axis T, which can decrease the effectiveness ofthe balance training. Additionally, athletes 5 typically move or performon flat surfaces that position their feet in a natural position, andtraining on devices that cause the feet to conform or distort to aparticular position can be disadvantageous.

Furthermore, most all athletic balance and healthy balance isaccomplished on one leg or on one foot. In some cases, this can beaccomplished by shifting balance from one foot to the other on unstablesurfaces. Generally, the only time a body is on two feet is when it istransitioning from one foot to the other. Any successful balancetraining device needs to challenge the body to the point of the wholebody being involved in staying in balance. The arms and upper body willbe forced to move in the balance challenge, as well as the leg not incontact with a portion of the balance device. In some cases, themovement of the body (or limbs thereof) is generally rapid. Balancechallenges need to get progressively more difficult to be effective.Like adding weights on an over-head press machine as one gets stronger,balance challenge exercise equipment must be able to be adjusted tobecome more difficult as a person's balance improves. A balancechallenge with a fall is the ultimate in terms of evaluating the limitof someone's balance.

As shown in FIG. 3, a balance training aid can be used with theslackline, for example, to provide a standing platform P for placementof one of the user's feet thereon. U.S. Published patent applicationSer. No. 14/266,308, Patent Application Publication No. US 2014/0329653A1, is incorporated herein by reference and shows an example balancetraining aid. Optionally, the balance training aid can be used with aslackline that is generally fixed between two points or fixed supports(see FIG. 4). Generally, regardless of whether or not the balancetraining aid is used with the line, as a person's balance improves,their body behavior during the balance challenge becomes morecontrolled. For example, as is common with a beginner user, whenattempting to balance on one foot atop the suspended line, their arms,upper body, waist, and the leg and foot not in contact with the linewill be forced to move (substantially rapidly in some cases) to maintainbalance on the suspended line (or on the balance training aid). As auser progresses, their body behavior while balancing on the suspendedline is generally more controlled, generally resulting in less rapidbody movements and in some cases only generally small subtle movementswith their arms. Thus, to further the balance training, the difficultyof the balance challenge can be increased provide a greater balancechallenge, and thus resulting in an altered body behavior.

In most cases, a user's body behavior while balancing on the balancedevice (or suspended line thereof) at a given balance difficulty levelgenerally determines their overall balance. However, really being ableto determine a more accurate model of a person's overall balance is notlikely, for example, since a person observing the person balancing canonly be so detailed and specific with respect to the person's bodybehavior. Thus, there lies a large discrepancy with respect to the realbody behavior and overall balance of the person relative to theuser-observed outcome and overall balance of the person.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for a measurement systemfor use with the suspended line and the user attempting to balancethereon. It is to the provision of a balance measurement system andmethods thereof meeting these and other needs that the present inventionis primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides a balancemeasurement system and methods of measuring balance. In exampleembodiments, one or more devices are generally removably coupled to oneor more portions of a user or a balancing device, and then the userattempts to balance on an unstable or generally dynamic device orplatform. In example forms, only a single foot of the user is placedagainst the unstable or dynamic device or platform. Optionally, bothfeet of the user are placed against the unstable or dynamic device orplatform.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a balance measurementsystem comprising one or more measuring devices to be worn or generallyremovably coupled to a user, and a dynamic or unstable device orsurface. In example forms, a user with the one or more measuring devicescoupled thereto attempts to balance on the unstable or dynamic device orplatform and the one or more measurement devices obtain real timemeasurements of the movement and body behavior of the user whileattempting to balance. Optionally, one or more measuring devices aregenerally coupled to the unstable training device or surface, forexample instead of the user, and the movement/behavior, etc. of theunstable training device is generally captured such it can be measuredto obtain measurements, which can be a direct indicator of the user'sbalance that is attempting to balance thereon. In example forms, the

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of measuringbalance including providing an unstable or dynamic device or surface;providing one or more measuring devices; removably mounting the one ormore measuring devices on a user's limbs or other body portions thereof;placing at least a portion of the user's body on the unstable device orsurface attempting to balance thereon; obtaining measurements of the oneor more measuring devices as the user attempts to balance on theunstable device or surface; and processing and calculating a balancevalue based off of the measurements obtained from the one or moremeasuring devices. Optionally, a measuring device can be removablymounted to the unstable device that the user is attempting to balanceon. In one example form, an electronic device is generally linked or incommunication with one or more of the measurement devices such that themeasurements obtained therefrom can be collected, stored and processedby the software or application of the electronic device.

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a system for measuringthe movement and behavior of a user balancing including a balancingdevice, at least one component coupled to the user or the balancingdevice, and a measurement system to track in real time the movement andbehavior of the at least one component while the user balances on thebalancing device.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of measuringbalance including providing an unstable or dynamic device or surface;providing one or more measuring devices; removably mounting the one ormore measuring devices on a user's limbs, other body portions thereofand/or to the device; placing at least a portion of the user's body onthe unstable device or surface attempting to balance thereon; obtainingmeasurements of the one or more measuring devices as the user attemptsto balance on the unstable device or surface; and processing andcalculating a balance value based off of the measurements obtained fromthe one or more measuring devices, wherein an electronic devicecomprising software or an application is generally linked or incommunication with one or more of the measurement devices such that themeasurements obtained therefrom can be collected, stored and processedby the software or application of the electronic device.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention willbe understood with reference to the drawing figures and detaileddescription herein, and will be realized by means of the variouselements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following brief description of the drawings anddetailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of theinvention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of portion of a prior-art slacklinetraining apparatus having an individual user thereon.

FIG. 2 is a detail view of a footprint of the individual user standingon the prior-art line of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a prior-art slackline balancetraining aid being used with the slackline training apparatus of FIG. 1and having an individual user standing thereon.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a prior art slackline assemblyincluding a line having ends coupled to supports, and wherein theslackline training apparatus is removably coupled to the line andcomprises an individual user standing thereon.

FIG. 5 is a front plan view of an individual user balancing on aslackline according to a first example embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein one leg of the user is generally placed atop theslackline while the other limbs thereof generally move and behave suchthat the user remains balanced with one foot standing on the slackline,and wherein one or more measurement devices are generally removablycoupled to one or more portions of the user to obtain real timemeasurements of the movements of the user's limbs and the resulting bodybehavior thereof.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a communications link of thedevices shown in FIG. 5 and an electronic device according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a communications link of thedevices shown in FIG. 5 and an electronic device according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8-10 show a balance device according to an example embodiment ofthe present invention, and showing one or more measurement devicescoupled or embedded within the balance device.

FIGS. 11-13 show a user attempting to balance on the balance device ofFIGS. 8-10, and shows one or more measuring devices generally removablycoupled to the user such that their movements and body behavior can bemeasured.

FIGS. 14-15 shows a balance device according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 16-18 show a user attempting to balance on the balance device ofFIGS. 14-15, and showing one or more measuring devices generallyremovably coupled to the balance device and the user for obtainingmeasurements of the movements of the user and/or the balance device.

FIG. 19 shows a balance device according to another example embodimentof the present invention, and showing a tensioning mechanism forproviding adjustment to the allowable movement of a platform relative tothe balance device, and further showing one or more measurement devicesfor obtaining measurements of the movements of the user and/or portionsof the balance device.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the balance device taken along line20-20 of FIG. 19 showing the internal components of the tensioningmechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the invention taken in connection withthe accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure.It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to thespecific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/orshown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments by way of example only and is notintended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patentsand other publications identified in this specification are incorporatedby reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to“about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like referencenumbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG.5 shows a user 5 balancing on a slackline L, for example, wherein onefoot of the user 5 is generally supported by the line and the otherlimbs thereof (e.g., leg/foot and arms) generally move and behave suchthat the user 5 remains in balance on the slackline L. In the depictedembodiment, the slackline L is generally removably mounted to thebalance device D. However, according to other example embodiments, theslackline L can be mounted or tensioned between to generally fixedpoints or supports (see FIG. 4), or optionally can be mounted to otherengagement members or anchors such that the slackline remains suspendedabove a support or ground surface when a user applies their weightthereon and attempts to balance.

According to preferred example embodiments of the present invention, oneor more measurement elements, wearables, modules or devices 10 aregenerally removably mounted to one or portions of the user, for example,to monitor and obtain measurements of the user's limbs and body behaviorwhile the user 5 balances. In example embodiments, it is preferablydesirable to accurately quantify the user's balance, for example, byobtaining measurements of the user's body behavior (e.g., rapidmovements of the limbs and body) while attempting to balance on theslackline L, and further processing/calculating the measurements todetermine an absolute balance value that can generally range between avalue of between about 0 to about 100 (as will be described below).

According to one example form, the one or more devices 10 are generallyin the form of electronic modules comprising one or more componentsincluding a gyrometer, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, etc. formeasuring the movement and behavior of the device, for example, theacceleration, position, orientation, relative positions, relativeorientations, relative accelerations, or other desirable and measurableparameters, etc. Preferably, the one or more devices 10 are generallyconfigured to measure the parameters thereof in three-dimensional space,for example, such that each measurement can generally comprise an Xcomponent, a Y component, and a Z component. Thus, when the one or moredevices 10 are removably coupled to one or more portions of the user 5,measurements of the movement and behavior (e.g., position, acceleration,orientation, and relatives thereof, etc.) of the user's body while thebalancing on the slackline L can be obtained.

For example, one of the devices 10 may be measuring the movement, etc.of the user's 5 left arm while another device 10 can be used to measurethe movement, etc. of the user's leg that is generally in contact withthe slackline L (depicted as the user's right leg in FIG. 5). As such,the body behavior of the user 5 can be measured in real time as the user5 balances (or attempts to balance) on the slackline L. Optionally, ameasurement device 10 can be generally mounted to the slackline Litself, for example, to obtain measurements of the slackline L while theuser 5 balances thereon. Further optional, when using the balancetraining aid as depicted in FIGS. 3-4, the measurement device 10 that isattached to the line L can be attached to the balance training aidinstead, or one or more measurement devices 10 can be attached to theslackline L and/or one or more measurement devices 10 are attached tothe balance training aid. Thus, in some example forms, the one or moremeasurement devices 10 can be configured for measuring themovement/behavior or the user attempting to balance, or for example, oneor more measurement devices 10 can be generally removably coupled to oneor more portions of the balance device (e.g., the slackline L or balancetraining aid) to obtain measurements of the movement thereof.Furthermore, one or more measurement devices 10 can be generallyremovably coupled to both the user attempting to balance and one or moreportions of the device, for example, to obtain measurements of themovements of both the user and the balance device.

In some example forms, as the tension of the slackline L is known toinfluence the difficulty of the balance challenge (e.g., more tension isless difficult and less tension is more difficult), one or more devices,sensors, etc. can be provided for obtaining a substantially accuratetension value of the slackline L. In some example forms, the tensionvalue can be obtained by one or more sensors generally permanently orremovably coupled to the slackline (or incorporated therewith), forexample, such that the tension of the slackline L can be measured priorto the user attempting to balance thereon and/or can be measured withthe user applying their weight thereon. Optionally, the tension of theslackline L may be measured in real time, for example, throughout thebalance challenge, which can provide additional parameters to furtherenhance the calculated balance value of the user. Similarly, asdescribed with respect to the one or more measurement devices, the oneor more sensors for measuring the tension of the slackline L can belinked and in communication with one or more of the devices and/or theelectronic device 20. Optionally, according to other exampleembodiments, the tension of the slackline L can be obtainable bymeasuring the amount of allowable swing or side-to-side oscillation inthe slackline L. Optionally, according to some example forms, amechanism can be provided for generally removably mounting to theslackline L, and whereby applying tension to the slackline L generallycauses displacement of at least a portion of the mechanism relative toanother portion of the mechanism, for example, such that the tension ofthe slackline L can be measured. According to another example form, oneor more gauges or sensors can be mounted to the balance training device,for example, to measure the deformation, stress and/or strain of thebalance training device such that the tension of the slackline L can bedetermined. According to yet another example embodiment, one or moremechanisms can be provided such that the tension of the line can becontrolled remotely, for example, such that the tension can be variedwhile the user 5 attempts to balance on the slackline L, thereby addinganother degree of difficulty to the balance challenge.

According to one example form, an electronic device or smart phone 20comprising a computer processor, hardware (e.g., transceivers), software(e.g., computer readable instructions stored as applications), and amemory including a computer-readable storage medium can be provided. Thememory has stored therein an application including instructionsexecutable by the processor for communicating with the one or moredevices 10 that are being worn or generally removably coupled to theuser 5, or for example, generally coupled to the balance device. Forexample, according to some example forms, an application stored withinthe memory can include instructions that, when executed, provide for andmanage communications with one or more devices 10, for example, suchthat the continuous real time individual measurements of each device 10can be transmitted and stored on the electronic device 20. The memorymay also have stored therein an application including instructionsexecutable by the processor for example to determine the balance valueor score based on the measurements or movement/behavior of the one ormore devices 10 and/or the electronic device 20, for example, which isgenerally selected from a balance scale (as described below), and whichcomprises a plurality of different balance values ranging betweengenerally no balance at all to expert balance. In some exampleembodiments, when at least two devices 10 are used for measuring theuser's 5 movement and body behavior while balancing on the slackline L(or for measuring the movement of the balance device), the at least twodevices preferably can comprise a communications link therebetween andwith the electronic device 20.

For example, FIG. 6 shows a representative communications configurationof the devices 10, for example, wherein each device 10 is generallylinked or in communication with at least one other device, and at lastone of the linked devices 10 is generally linked or in communicationwith the electronic device 20. According to one example form, seven (7)devices are generally removably attached to the user (and/or balancedevice) to measure movement and body behavior. For example, a firstdevice 30 is generally removably attached to the slackline, a seconddevice 40 is generally removably attached around the chest or upper bodyportion of the user 5, a third device 50 is generally removably attachedto the right limb, wrist or hand of the user 5, a fourth device 60 isgenerally removably attached to a left limb, wrist or hand of the user5, a fifth device 70 is generally removably attached to a right leg orfoot of the user 5, a sixth device 80 is generally removably attached toa left leg or foot of the user 5, and a seventh device 90 is generallyremovably attached to the user's head. Optionally, one or more of thedevices can be added to other portions of the user and/or the device.Optionally, according to some example embodiments, about two devices areremovably mounted to the user, for example, rather than the sevendisclosed herein. Optionally, a desirable amount of devices areremovably mounted to the user and/or the device. Optionally, one or moredevices can be permanently mounted to the balance device.

According to example embodiments, the first device 30 is generally incommunication with at least one of the other five devices. For example,according to one example form and as depicted in FIG. 6, the firstdevice 30 (which is generally removably attached to the slackline L orbalance device) is generally linked or in communication with the sixother devices, for example, the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, andseventh device 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90. As such, the position,orientation, acceleration, etc. of the other devices 40, 50, 60, 70, 80,and 90 relative to the first device 30 is measurable and can be used asdesired to benefit the accuracy in the associated balance value of theuser, for example, based on the user's behavior while attempting on thebalance device or other unstable surface. Furthermore, the position,orientation, acceleration, etc. of the devices relative to at least twoof the other devices is obtainable and measurable. Preferably, accordingto some example forms of the present invention, it is generally theinterrelationship of the relative positions, orientations,accelerations, etc. of the devices 30-90 that can be processed andselectively utilized to obtain substantially accurate balance values ofthe user 5, or for example, to obtain a processed and equated balancevalue with respect to the scale generally having values generallyranging from between about 0 to about 100. According to some exampleforms, the electronic device 20 can be used as the sole measuringdevice, for example, which can be generally removably coupled to theunstable balance device (e.g., slackline, board on slackline, otherunstable platform or device, etc.), or can be used in combination withthe one or more devices 10 as described herein. According to onealternate embodiment, the one or more devices 10 can link or communicatedirectly with the electronic device 10 and/or the other respectivedevices 10. According to one example embodiment, the electronic devicecan be used entirely by itself to measure and calculate a balance value.

In example forms, the balance scale generally comprises at least two ormore distinguishing points or levels along the scale. In some exampleforms, the balance scale is generally stored in memory on the electronicdevice 20, for example, so that the balance value of the user can beobtainable once the movement of the devices 10 and/or electronic device20 is captured and generally stored in memory. Alternatively, thebalance scale can be stored in the cloud or otherwise accessible in thememory in the electronic device 20. According to one example form, thebalance scale generally comprises about 6 levels including (1) a balancevalue of 0 (signifying the user does not have a balance system and lyingdown is generally all that can be done), (2) a balance value of about 20(signifying the point at which a cane or walking stick is generallyrequired), (3) a balance value of 60 (signifying generally beginner tointermediate balance, e.g., weekend warrior-level balance), (4) abalance value of about 75 (generally signifying a collegiate or proathlete's balance), (5) a balance value of about 85+ (signifying thebalance value of the top professional athletes, e.g., Wayne Gretzky (NHLhockey legend), Seth Curry (NBA basketball), Jordan Spieth (PGAgolfer)), and a balance value of about 95+ (generally signifying thebalance value of a circus balance performer or professional Cirque duSoleil performer).

Furthermore, in addition to the interrelationship of the relativepositions, etc., the individual position, orientation, acceleration,etc. of each of the devices 30-90 can be utilized for processing with orwithout the relative positions, etc. such that a balance value can becalculated based on the body behavior and movement of the user 5 as theybalance on the slackline L. However, according to some example forms ofthe present invention, a more accurate value may be obtainable by havingeach individual position, orientation, acceleration, etc. of the devices30-90 and the relative positions, orientations, accelerations, etc.thereof.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 7, according to another example embodimentof the present invention, one or more of the devices 10 can be generallyin communication or linked with a network 100, and the electronic device20 can further be in communication or linked with the network 100. Thus,the one or more devices 10 generally communicate or are linked with theelectronic device 20 via the network 100.

As described above, the electronic device 20 generally comprises amemory in which an application is stored as computer readableinstructions which a processor executes to analyze measurements from thedevices 10. The electronic device receives real time individualmeasurements (e.g., position, orientation, acceleration, etc.) of eachof the devices 10, and can further receive relative measurements of thedevices 10 with respect to each other. In some example forms, the one ormore devices 10 can generally be labeled or assigned within theapplication or elsewhere within the memory of the electronic device, forexample, in an initial set-up procedure such that the particular deviceis labeled to identify the accurate portion of the body it is removablymounted to. For example, as certain parts of the user's body aredifferent and thus movements thereof are different (e.g., movement of aleg when attempting to balance is substantially different than themovement of an arm or the chest, etc. of the user 5 when attempting tobalance), the devices 10 can be labeled within the application such thatthe calculations and processing of the measurements can be coupled oranalyzed appropriately.

In one example form, it may be desirable to generally compare orcalculate a balance level based of the normal body behavior (and thusnormal movements, positions, orientations, accelerations, etc.) of auser's body comprising a balance value of at least about 95. Forexample, the measurements of the user comprising substantially perfectbalance can be stored within the memory of the electronic device 20,along with the application for processing the measurements. As such, theuser's measurements when attempting to balance on the slackline L aregenerally processed, analyzed, compared, calculated, etc. with respectto a substantially perfect balance value to determine the resultingbalance value.

For example, according to one example form, measurements of thepositional displacements, orientations, and accelerations of thesubstantially perfect balance level can be generally substantially smallor relatively low compared to the measurements obtained from a user thatgenerally has little to no balance. Thus, generally the larger deviationfrom the measurement of the substantially perfect balance valuegenerally results in a reduction in the calculated balance value.Furthermore, accelerations and other movements/behavior of a relativelyinexperienced, zero-balance user can be substantially greater and rapidas compared to the accelerations and other movements/behavior of anexpert user having a balance value of about 95+, for example, whichcauses the movement to be generally controlled, relatively slow andsubstantially graceful. For example, for a user with zero to generallyno balance, the path or movement of one or more of the devices 10 and/orthe electronic device 20 can be substantially drastic and reveal asubstantially large change in position over a substantially short periodof time (e.g., 0.25-1 second), for example, which reveals that the userhad to substantially adjust their body position to maintain balance onthe balance device. In contrast, for a user with a balance value ofabout 95+, the movement of the one or more devices 10 and/or electronicdevice 20 is generally controlled and less quick, for example, such thatthe positions of the one or more devices 10 and/or electronic device 20gradually move between positions over a generally moderate to longertime span. Furthermore, other measurements obtainable from the one ormore devices 10 and/or electronic device 20 can be used for calculatingthe balance value or providing information for determining an accuratebalance value of the user attempting to balance thereon.

In example embodiments, the parameters of a user can be initially beinput within the application or electronic device, or for example, aninitialization or configuration process can be utilized to determine theunique parameters of the user. In one example embodiment, once the oneor more devices 10 are mounted to the user, the user is taken throughone or more sets of body movements such that the application orelectronic device 20 can determine the relative positions of the one ormore devices 10 attached to the user. According to one exampleembodiment, the user stands on a floor surface with their arms by theirside, knees slightly bent, and looking straight ahead, and a measurementis taken to define the user in a normal standing position. In anotherexample embodiment, the user goes through one or more body movementswhile standing on a floor surface to further obtain measurements of theone or more devices, for example, such that an initial profile of theuser can be obtained prior to attempting to balance on the balancedevice.

According to another example form as depicted in FIGS. 8-10, a balancetraining aid D2 (e.g., which can be used with the balance measurementsystems and methods as described herein) can be in the form of a plateor platform and a block, for example, which is disclosed in U.S.Published patent application Ser. No. 14/266,308, Patent ApplicationPublication No. US 2014/0329653 A1, and which is incorporated herein byreference. In example forms, the balance training aid D2 is placed on ablock or stationary support member B, and then the athlete 5 attempts tomaintain balance by placing all or a part of their body on a top surfaceof the support member, plate or board P. Generally, in mostapplications, one foot is placed on the top surface of the board P, andattempting to maintain balance while standing with one foot placed onthe board P generally has the same, if not greater, effect as placingthe balance training aid on the suspended line L.

Preferably, the training aid D2 is unstable in a variety of directions,for example an axial direction Ab, a transverse direction Tb, and avertical direction Vb. In example forms, the plate P can be mounted,coupled or otherwise secured to the block B, for example with hook andloop material or other coupling elements or fasteners. As depicted inFIGS. 9-10, the width WB of the block B is about 3″, the length LB ofthe block B is about 13″, and the height HB of the block B is about 3″.In one example form, the width W of the board P is greater than thewidth WB of the block B and the length of the board P is greater thanthe length LB of the block B. Optionally, the width WB and the length LBof the block B can vary as desired. Preferably, the height HB of theblock B can vary as desired, for example, to increase or decrease thedifficulty of balancing thereon. In example forms, the board P can beabout 2″-6″ wide, about 6″-20″ long, and about 0.25″-1.5″ thick. Inexample forms, the board P is less than stable, flexible, and/ordeformable to cause an increase in the difficulty of balancing when theathlete places all or a part of their body on the top surface of theboard P. In one form, the block B is in the form of a foam material.

Preferably, the foam material can be open-cell foam, closed-cell foam,or other foams as desired. Generally, the rigidity and density of thefoam can vary as desired, for example, to increase or decrease thedifficulty of balancing thereon. Optionally, the block B can be formedfrom an air-filled or liquid-filled vessel or bag that is generallyconstructed from a pliable material, for example wherein a valve and/orfilling aperture can be provided to adjust the inflation or liquid leveltherein, which adjusts the stability of the bag. Further optional, theblock B can incorporate springs or other flexible members to simulatethe flexible, less-than-stable, and deforming characteristics of thefoam.

In example forms, one or more measurement devices can be incorporatedwith at least a portion of the balance device D2 (depicted as 30), ormay be generally removably coupled thereto, for example, such thatmeasurements of the movement of the balance device D2 can be obtainedwhen the user 5 is attempting to balance thereon. As such, the one ormore measurement devices that are incorporated in the balance device(and/or one or more measurement devices attached to the user) can beutilized as similarly described above to obtain measurements of the userwhile attempting to balance on the balance device D2.

As depicted in FIGS. 11-13, a user 5 is generally attempting to maintaintheir balance while standing with one foot atop the plate P of thedevice D2. As depicted, the user generally comprises a plurality ofmeasurement devices coupled thereto, for example, to obtain measurementsor the behavior of the devices and thus the movement and behavior of theuser as the user attempts to balance atop the balance device D2.According to example forms, each of the devices 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and90 comprise a three-dimensional coordinate system including an X, Y andZ axis, for example, such that the orientation (e.g., roll, pitch, yaw),position, etc. of the plurality of portions of the user's body can bemeasured throughout the balance challenge. As described above, one ormore devices can be optionally included with the balance device D2.Further optional, an electronic device 20 can be provided forcommunicating with the one or more devices worn by the user or generallymounted to the balance device D2. Optionally, one or more of the devicesworn by the user or mounted to the balance device D2 can be in the formof an electronic device, for example, to receive the measurements of themovements (of the user or the balance device) to calculate a balancevalue. Similarly, the one or more devices can link or communicate withthe electronic device 20 and/or the network 100.

FIGS. 14-15 show a balance device D3 according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the balance device D3generally comprises a generally rectangular platform or plate P and agenerally cylindrical member or roller R. Generally, the plate Pcomprises a channeled portion or guidance track for receiving the rollerR therein. Generally, the roller R is placed on a support surface andthe plate P is positioned atop the roller R such that the roller R isgenerally capable of movement within the channeled portion of the plateP. As shown in FIGS. 16-18, a user 5 generally places both feet atop theplate P and attempts to balance thereon, for example, such that bothends of the plate P generally remain offset and positioned above thesupport surface. According to preferred example forms, the plate Pgenerally comprises a pin or anchor A for receiving one or more weightedobjects WE, for example, to act as a counterbalance mechanism, whichgenerally increases the difficulty of balancing thereon. In exampleforms, the weighted objects WE can range in weight, for example,generally between about 1 pound to about 60 pounds. According to oneexample embodiment, a measurement device is provided such that theweight of the weighted objects WE can be calculated automatically or canbe manually input into the electronic device 20, for example, as theweight of the weighted objects WE can influence the difficulty of thebalance challenge. Optionally, according to other example embodiments,an additional anchor A can be positioned on a generally opposite side ofthe plate P wherein one or more weighted objects can be placed thereon,which can be the same weight or can vary in weight relative to the otherweighted objects WE.

As similarly described with respect to FIGS. 11-13, the user 5 shown inFIGS. 16-18 generally comprises a plurality of measurement devices 40,50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 generally removably attached thereto, for example,to measure the movement and body behavior as the user 5 attempts tobalance on the plate P. In some example forms, a measurement device 30is generally removably attached to the plate P such that the movementthereof can be measured (either by itself or in combination with theplurality of measurement devices generally removably coupled to theuser).

According to some example forms, one or more exercises or trainingprocedures can be implemented during the balance challenge. For example,the user may be required to perform certain movements (e.g., bendingover, reaching in a certain direction, catching and throwing a weightedobject, holding or swinging an object, etc.) during the balancechallenge.

In example embodiments, the measurement devices or wearables to be wornby the user can take on various forms, for example, a GPS watch, runningwatch, fitness watch, sports watch, Android or iOS smart watches,activity trackers, fitness bands, GPS trackers, etc. Optionally, otherdevices including at least a gyrometer, an accelerometer, a magnetometerand a power source can be utilized as desired. Optionally, otherelectronic devices can be utilized as desired. Preferably, themeasurement devices are generally capable of communication with othermeasurement devices or other devices (e.g., an electronic device orsmart phone) wirelessly, for example, via WiFi, cellular, Bluetooth,infrared, or other means for providing wireless communications. Infurther example embodiments, one or more of the measurement devices cantake on various other forms, for example, a smart shoe, or otherarticles of clothing, glasses, or for example a smart ring or jewelry asdisclosed in U.S. Published patent application Ser. No. 14/676,576,Patent Application Publication No. US 2015/0277559 A1, which isincorporated herein by reference.

In another example embodiment, the present invention relates to a methodof measuring balance including providing an unstable or dynamic deviceor surface; providing one or more measuring devices; removably mountingthe one or more measuring devices on a user's limbs or other bodyportions thereof; placing at least a portion of the user's body on theunstable device or surface attempting to balance thereon; obtainingmeasurements of the one or more measuring devices as the user attemptsto balance on the unstable device or surface; and processing andcalculating a balance value based off of the measurements obtained fromthe one or more measuring devices. Optionally, a measuring device can beremovably mounted to the unstable device that the user is attempting tobalance on. In one example form, an electronic device is generallylinked or in communication with one or more of the measurement devicessuch that the measurements obtained therefrom can be collected, storedand processed by a processor executing instructions stored in a memoryof the electronic device.

Preferably, as described herein and according to example embodiments ofthe present invention, one or more devices (or an electronic device) canbe generally either permanently or removably attached to one or moreportions of the user and/or the generally unstable balance device suchthat the movements thereof (e.g., the user and/or device) as the userattempts to balance thereon can be obtained to calculate a balancevalue. Preferably, the movement (positions, orientations, accelerations,etc.) of the user and/or the balance device over a desirable time spancan be obtainable to calculate a substantially accurate balance value.Preferably, the one or more devices preferably reveal how the user'sbody is moving throughout the balance challenge, and thus, reveals arealistic balance value. Preferably, according to some example forms,the rate of movement (e.g., movement over time) is utilized to determinethe user's balance value.

FIG. 19 shows a balance device D4 according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention. According to one exampleembodiment, the balance device D4 comprises a central member CM, a pairof outer bow members OBM coupled to the central member, a pair of upperarm members coupled to the outer bow members OBM and providing aplurality of height settings, and a pair of leg members LM coupled tothe outer bow members OBM. In example embodiments, a slackline L orother line, rope or generally flexible member is generally positioned atone of the plurality of height settings of the upper arm members (e.g.,each end of the line L coupled to the same height setting), and aplatform P2 is positioned atop the line L to provide a standing platformfor the user to stand on when attempting to balance. In the depictedembodiment, the line L is substantially loose and positioned at thehighest or most upper height setting.

In example embodiments, the balance device D4 comprises a tensioningmechanism or stabilization component 200, for example, which isgenerally coupled to a portion of the platform P2, for example, so thata connecting member or resilient band 300 can be tensioned to limit theallowable movement (e.g., side-to-side movement) of the platform P2 andline L relative to the balance device D4. Thus, according to exampleembodiments, the stabilization component 200 provides adjustment to theallowable movement of the platform P2, for example, such that inaddition to the allowable adjustment to the height of where the line Lengages with the height setting of the upper arm members, the tension ofthe band 300 is adjustable to control the allowable side-to-sidemovement of the platform P2. According to example embodiments, the band300 is generally substantially resilient and elastic to allow agenerally smooth and transitional movement between a generally neutralor central position (e.g., generally positioned directly above thecentral member CM) and to either the left or right bound of the platformP2. For example, rather than having a hard stop at the bounds of theallowable movement (which could cause imbalance when reaching the hardstop), the resilient band 300 preferably provides a smooth transitionwithout any hard stops such that the user is bounded by a certainallowable side-to-side movement without exposure to abrupt boundaries orlimits of the side-to-side movement, which could throw the user offbalance prematurely.

As depicted in FIG. 20, the stabilization component 200 comprises anelongate rod or member 210 extending entirely through the central memberCM. In example embodiments, the member 201 comprises a slot 214 or otherengagement portion such that the band 300 can be engaged therewith. Themember 210 comprises a first end 216 comprising an end stop and a secondend 218 comprising a handle 220 attached thereto, for example, such thatrotation thereof when the member 210 is actuated (as depicted in FIG.20) causes either tensioning or loosening of the band 300. In exampleembodiments, an engagement mechanism 230 is provided and comprises anengagement portion 232 (generally mounted to the member 210) forproviding engagement with an engagement portion 234 of the centralmember. For example, in a neutral position, a biasing spring is providedto cause engagement of the engagement portions 232, 234 such that themember 210 is incapable of rotation. In example embodiments, theengagement portions 232, 234 can be in the form of interengaging ridgesand reliefs or other compatible or complementary engagement featuressuch that engagement therebetween prevents rotation of the member 210relative to the central member CM. In example embodiments, axialmovement of the member 210 in a direction generally transverse theextension of the central member CM causes the engagement portions 232,234 to disengage each other such that the handle 220 can be rotated toeither tighten or loosen the band 300 to adjust the allowableside-to-side movement of the platform P2. According to some exampleembodiments, the stabilization component 200 can be automated or capableof being controlled remotely, for example, via the electronic device 20,or other controller or device, for example, wherein a motor 400 couplesto the stabilization component 200 to either tighten or loosen the band300 as desired. For example, according to example embodiments, while theuser is training or attempting to balance of the platform, the tensionof the band 300 can be adjusted in real time such that the difficulty ofthe balance challenge can be varied throughout the balance challenge.For example, according to some example embodiments, when the band 200 issubstantially tensioned, the platform has an allowable movement ineither side direction (e.g., left or right side) of between about 0.25-4inches, and wherein when the band is substantially loose without anytension when the platform P2 is generally centrally positioned above thecentral member CM, the platform has an allowable movement in either sidedirection of between about 12-35 inches. Accordingly, a plurality oftensions of the band 200 lying between substantially tensioned and loosecan result in an allowable movement in either side direction betweenabout 4-12 inches, or for example between about 4-30 inches.

According to some example embodiments, a belt or other linkage iscoupled between the stabilization component 200 and the motor 400 suchthat rotation of the motor 400 causes rotation of the member 201,thereby either tensioning or loosening the band 300. According to someexample embodiments, the engagement portions 232, 234 are substantiallywave-like or undulating to define a plurality of radiused peaks andvalleys, and wherein the peaks of the engagement portion 232 provide forcomplementary engagement with the valleys of the engagement portion 234.According to some example embodiments, the engagement portions 232, 234are configured to permit rotation of the member 210 in one direction,regardless of whether the member 210 is actuated to disengage theengagement portions 232, 234 from each other. Optionally, the engagementportions 232, 234 can be configured as desired. According to one exampleform, the motor 400 and belt or other linkage that couples the motor 400to the member 210 entirely controls the tension of the band 300, forexample, such that the engagement portions 232, 234 are not necessary toprevent rotation of the member 210.

As shown in FIG. 19, the user comprises the one or more measurementdevices as described above, for example, to preferably obtainmeasurements and the behavior of the user throughout attempting tobalance on the platform P2. In example embodiments, according to someexample embodiments of the present invention, one or more cameras 500can be provided to capture motion of the user, for example, wherein oneor more identifiable indicators or markersets on the user such that theone or more cameras 500 can capture the movement of the one or moreindicators throughout the user balancing on the line L. For example,according to some example embodiments, a system such as OptiTrack orOptogait can be utilized to measure the movement of the user whilebalancing on the platform P2. Optionally, according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention, one or more lasers 600, or a laserarray can be provided to capture movement of the user while balancing onthe line L. Optionally, according to another example embodiment of thepresent invention, a brain scanner 700 can be provided such that theuser's brain can be scanned in real time as the user attempts to balanceon the platform P2. Thus, in addition to measuring the user's behaviorwhile balancing on the platform P2, the user's brain can also be scannedthroughout them balancing on the platform P2. In example embodiments,concussion patients or other people having suffered from a concussion orbrain injury can be equipped with the scanner 700 when attempting tobalance of the platform P2. Optionally, a user that is generally healthyand training for a particular sport can be equipped with the brainscanner 700 to determine other aspects of their mental health, forexample, to understand the use of their photoreceptors (e.g., rods andcones). According to another example embodiment, the one or more cameras500 can be configured for use with photogrammetry, for example, suchthat the video or still images of the user throughout balancing on theplatform P2 can be utilized for understanding the measurements andbehavior thereof.

According to yet another example embodiment, a camera or othermeasurement device is provided to track the user's eyes while balancingon the balance device. In some example embodiments, a fixation point isprovided for the user to maintain their eyesight on, for example, suchthat the measurement device can measure and determine whether the usermaintained their eyesight on the fixation point throughout the balancechallenge. In example embodiments, as has been considered to be oneindicator of excellent balance, the eye tracker can determine theeffectiveness of a user's peripheral vision, for example, by measuringthe user's eyes and their concentration on the fixation point. Forexample, user's who tend to keep their eyes on the fixation point anduse their peripheral vision tend to have exceptional balance.Optionally, according to other example embodiments, other measurementdevices can be used for tracking the user's eyes, for example, glassescomprising one or more trackers for detecting direction and movement ofthe user's eyes or other eye tracking technology.

According to another example embodiment, the present invention relatesto a method of training on a balance device comprising providing one ormore measurement devices; coupling the one or more measurement devicesto a user; attempting to balance on the balance device; and measuring inreal time the movement of the one or more measurement devices coupled tothe user. According to example embodiments, when the balance devicecomprises a line L, the height position and tension of the line L can beadjusted based on a skill level of a user, for example wherein theheight of the line L is at the lowest setting and the tension of thesuspended line is substantially tensioned and allowing only smallamounts of oscillation for a beginner user, and wherein the height ofthe line L is at the highest height setting and the tension of thesuspended line being substantially loose and allowing substantialamounts of oscillation for an experienced user. According to someexample embodiments, the method further comprises providing astabilization component and adjusting the stabilization component toinfluence the allowable oscillation or side-to-side movement of the lineL (or platform coupled to the line L).

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred andexample embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within thescope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A balance measurement system comprising: one ormore measuring devices to be worn or generally removably coupled to auser; and a dynamic or unstable device or surface, the user attemptingto balance on the device or surface while the one or more measuringdevices obtain measurements produced by movement of the user reacting tothe dynamic or unstable device or surface that the user is attempting tobalance on.
 2. The balance measurement system of claim 1, furthercomprising a network generally in communication or linked to the one ormore measuring devices.
 3. The balance measurement system of claim 2,further comprising an electronic device generally linked or incommunication with the network and/or the one or more measuring devices.4. The balance measurement system of claim 3, wherein the electronicdevice provides a user interface for the balance measurement system. 5.The balance measurement system of claim 1, wherein the one or moremeasurement devices obtain real time measurements of the movement andbody behavior of the user while attempting to balance.
 6. The balancemeasurement system of claim 1, wherein the one or more measuring deviceseach comprise at least one of a gyrometer, an accelerometer, and amagnetometer.
 7. The balance measurement system of claim 1, furthercomprising a power supply for powering the one or more measurementdevices.
 8. A system for measuring the movement and behavior of a userbalancing comprising: a balancing device; at least one component coupledto the user or balancing device; a measurement system to track in realtime the movement and behavior of the at least one component while theuser balances on the balancing device.
 9. The system of claim 8, whereinthe at least one component comprises at least one of a gyrometer, anaccelerometer, and a magnetometer.
 10. The system of claim 8, whereinthe measurement system comprises an electronic device generally linkedor in communication with the at least one component.
 11. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the at least one component comprises an identifiablemarker for being tracked by one or more motion capture cameras.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of identifiablemarkers coupled to the user and balancing device.
 13. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the balancing device comprises a stabilizationcomponent such that the allowable movement of a platform can be adjustedbetween a substantially loose configuration and a substantiallytensioned configuration.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein in thesubstantially tensioned configuration the platform is restricted tominimal side-to-side movement or oscillation of between about 0.25-4inches.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein in the substantially looseconfiguration the platform is capable of side-to-side movement oroscillation of between about 12-35 inches.
 16. The system of claim 13,further comprising a motor and linkage coupled to the stabilizationcomponent such that adjustment to the stabilization component can becontrolled remotely in real time.
 17. The system of claim 8, wherein thebalance device comprises a central member, a pair of outer bow memberscoupled to the central member, a pair of upper arm members coupled tothe outer bow members and providing a plurality of height settings, apair of leg members coupled to the outer bow members, a slacklinegenerally positioned at one of the plurality of height settings of theupper arm members, and a platform positioned atop the line to provide astanding platform for the user to stand on when attempting to balance.18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a tensioning mechanismcoupled to a portion of the platform to provide adjustment to theallowable side-to-side movement of the platform.
 19. The system of claim18, wherein a generally resilient band couples between the platform andthe tensioning mechanism, and wherein the tensioning mechanism can bemanipulated to increase or decrease the tension of the band and therebyadjust the allowable side-to-side movement of the platform.
 20. Thesystem of claim 8, further comprising a brain scanner for scanning thebrain of the user while the user balances on the balancing device. 21.The system of claim 8, further comprising one or more measuring devicesfor tracking the eye movement of the user while the user is balancing onthe balancing device.
 22. A method of measuring balance comprising:providing an unstable or dynamic device or surface; providing one ormore measuring devices; removably mounting the one or more measuringdevices on a user's limbs, other body portions thereof and/or to thedevice; placing at least a portion of the user's body on the unstabledevice or surface attempting to balance thereon; obtaining measurementsof the one or more measuring devices as the user attempts to balance onthe unstable device or surface; and processing and calculating a balancevalue based off of the measurements obtained from the one or moremeasuring devices, wherein an electronic device comprising software oran application is generally linked or in communication with one or moreof the measurement devices such that the measurements obtained therefromcan be collected, stored and processed by the software or application ofthe electronic device.